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Remembering Hal and Hoping For a Payday

The other major stake at Gulfsteam this weekend is the 24th Running of the Hal’s Hope Stakes. Hal’s Hope was a horse that dominated the Gulstream strip highlighted by a win the in 2000 Florida Derby. This year’s race is interesting, as several in the field have had good success over this track. Here’s a read on this year’s edition of the Hal’s Hope.

#1 JACKSON BEND (2-1) –Will be making his 2012 debut trying to win at the distance of a mile for the first time. While he might be better at Six or Seven Furlongs, the race being around one turn will help his chances. While he didn’t run bad in a third place effort in the Breeders’ Cup sprint, taking a short price on a horse off a layoff who took awhile to get in form last season isn’t for me, I will let him beat me.

#2 SKY VENTURE (20-1) – Will have to run his best race and better his best speed figure by ten to have a chance to win here, longshot at best.

#3 SANGAREE (6-1) – This horse is remarkably consistent, always showing up to run. Problem I have backing him is he does not win that often, I can’t see his last win in PPs only having one win in the last two years. I will be using him underneath in exacta and trifectas.

#4 SUCCESSFUL MISSION (3-1) – Appears to be a tough customer on paper but he is another one coming off an extended layoff and has done his best running on the turf. I’m not really sure why they are running him in this spot on the main track.

#5 DECISIVE MOMENT (12-1) – Comes into this race having won a stake on the Delta Jackpot undercard at Delta Downs. He is interesting at a bit of a price but he seems to really only do his best running when on the lead and at Delta Downs. He will have company out there on the lead with him to keep it an honest pace hurting his chances.

#6 OUR DARK KNIGHT (12-1) – Has had success over this track previously which is a positive. He just seems like a cut below of the rest of this field. His speed figures are not as fast in comparison. He might contest for minor awards but tough to endorse to win.

#7 SOARING EMPIRE (4-1) – Returns to defend his title from a year ago and appears to have a good chance to do so. He has won off a layoff before and the workouts shown in program are tremendous. Not only did he win this race last year but also finished 2nd in two other graded stakes here at Gulfstream and running style is ideal. All signs point to him being ready and if he looks relaxed while in paddock and on track he should run huge.

#8 COOL BLUE RED HOT (12-1) – If Cool Blue Red Hot can stay healthy then I think he could have a really big year because he definitely can run a little bit. The problem has been keeping him in form, lots of gaps between running lines. He might need a race and is also cross entered into the Ft. Lauderdale S. as a Main Track Only entry. I will use him underneath and give him a chance at a price with his stalker running style.

#9 WILL’S WILDCAT (10-1) – Appears to be a need the lead type of horse. He does look like the speed of the speed which helps but DECISIVE MOMENT won’t make his job easy. If he runs the same race he did two back he’s got a chance but I think he is up against it.

Selections:

#7 SOARING EMPIRE

#3 SANGAREE

#8 COOL BLUE RED HOT

Good Luck!

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